Former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mark Jacobs, has warned that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as more opposition politicians defect under pressure from the government.
Speaking on ARISE News on Saturday, Jacobs said the ongoing wave of defections by PDP governors and lawmakers to the APC was driven by elite interests, not grassroots support, and would eventually backfire.
“We are running into a one-party state — that is the reality. But I can inform you clearly that this is an elitist movement. Most people at the grassroots do not know what is happening; they don’t even remember that a high-ranking member of the party has moved,” Jacobs said.
“There are places where governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives elected on a particular party platform are moving to another party without the knowledge of their people. I’m waiting for the 2027 elections — some of them are going to be shocked.”
He warned that the APC’s growing dominance was unsustainable and would create internal conflicts as long-standing members were displaced by defectors seeking political refuge.
“APC is gathering so much. There are people who have been in APC since 1999 or 2003, preparing to contest elections as senators or governors. Suddenly, PDP governors are moving into APC, and they’ll go and insist on using the APC platform to contest. There will be a backlash,” he said.
Jacobs dismissed suggestions that the PDP was collapsing, saying the party remained resilient despite internal challenges and defections.
“The Senate President may have said our umbrella is torn, but he knows better — what he said is not correct. You can see the resilience of one woman in the Senate holding an umbrella that shook him to his marrows,” he said.
“Many of those leaving the PDP are moving alone. When the pressure within the APC builds up, some of them will return. I only pray that the PDP manages itself well, holds its convention in November, elects a credible leadership, and gives party tickets to people of integrity. Then you will see what will happen.”
Jacobs also dismissed claims that the PDP might adopt President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
“The PDP will not do that. We have capable people who can contest elections at all levels. In fact, some are praying for these big names to decamp quickly so that the space will be available,” he said.
When asked whether the space could accommodate former President Goodluck Jonathan, Jacobs replied:
“Certainly. If all those who are supposed to contest the presidency run away, he will have an unopposed platform. With nobody to contest the primaries with him, he has no reason not to come and take it — and we are praying that happens.”
On the appointment of Professor Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jacobs commended the choice, describing it as “a good appointment” but stressed that Nigeria’s electoral reforms must focus on institutions rather than individuals.
“The credentials of Amupitan is unquestionable. I agree with those who say these are the kind of personalities we should bring into public service. I have no doubt that this is a good appointment and he suits the position,” he said.
Jacobs dismissed claims that Amupitan was part of President Tinubu’s 2023 legal team, explaining that modern legal practice allows senior advocates to collaborate informally without being directly briefed by clients.
“I read a few comments about him being part of the President’s legal team and just smiled. These talks come from people who don’t understand current practice. Even if he was consulted, it doesn’t mean he was directly briefed — senior lawyers often bring in colleagues for their expertise. It’s normal and encouraged,” he said.
He added that the nominee had undergone rigorous scrutiny before being endorsed by the National Council of State.
“In this country, when you get an appointment, people like to throw stones. I’m sure the security agencies and other stakeholders did their due diligence before his name went to the Council of State — a serious body made up of former Presidents and Chief Justices. His record is impeccable,” Jacobs said.
Turning to INEC’s performance, Jacobs said the institution, not its leadership, must be restructured to deliver credible elections.
“We must focus on institutions, not individuals. Unless you bring an angel to INEC, if the institution isn’t properly rejigged, it cannot deliver a perfect election,” he stated.
He criticised the 2023 general elections, saying INEC’s failure to uphold its promises on real-time results transmission pushed Nigeria’s democracy “20 years backwards.”
“Professor Mahmood Yakubu and my friend, Festus Okoye, made so many promises — that elections would be decided at the polling unit and results seen in real-time. But at the crucial moment, INEC invented the word ‘glitch.’ That was terrible. All the gains we made between 1999 and 2015 were lost because those handling INEC refused to do their jobs,” he said.
Jacobs also linked part of Nigeria’s democratic failures to judicial inconsistency, particularly in cases of political defections.
“The law is clear about defections — you cannot defect unless there’s a division that makes it impossible for your national leadership to run the party. But the courts have failed to enforce that. So people just wake up and jump from one party to another,” he said.
He concluded by warning that both the judiciary and electoral institutions must be reformed to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
“Some of the complications we have were created by the judiciary. Until we enforce the law and strengthen our institutions, democracy will continue to wobble,” Jacobs said.
Boluwatife Enome
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